Was the GS400 the fastest sedan?
The GS400 was not the fastest sedan of its era. It offered strong V8 performance and Lexus refinement, but several contemporaries posted quicker acceleration and higher top speeds.
To understand this question, it helps to define what “fastest” means in the context of late-1990s performance sedans: raw straight‑line speed (0–60 mph), constant top speed, and how those numbers stacked up against BMW, Mercedes‑Benz, Jaguar, and other luxury‑performance rivals of the time. The GS400 came with a 4.0-liter V8 and rear‑wheel drive, delivering impressive power for its size, yet it faced stiffer competition from rivals with more horsepower or lighter weight.
The GS400 in context
The Lexus GS400, produced in the late 1990s, used a 4.0-liter V8 (the 1UZ-FE family) with roughly 300 horsepower. It paired this engine with a five‑speed automatic and rear‑wheel drive, offering a balanced, refined ride. Official performance figures commonly cited for US-spec cars place 0–60 mph in the mid‑to‑high six‑second range and a electronically limited top speed around 149 mph. In other words, it was quick and capable, but not among the outright fastest sedans when matched against its top-tier rivals.
Notable rivals that outpaced the GS400
To gauge where the GS400 stood, here are the performance benchmarks of its era’s top mainstream competitors in the mid-to-late 1990s and early 2000s. Note that figures vary by market and model year.
- BMW M5 E39 (1998–2003) — roughly 394–400 hp, 0–60 mph in about 4.7–5.1 seconds, top speed around 155 mph.
- Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG (based on W220, ~1999–2002) — around 355 hp, 0–60 mph roughly 5.0–5.5 seconds, top speed about 155 mph.
- Jaguar XJR 4.0 (1997–2003) — about 375–385 hp, 0–60 mph near 5.0–5.2 seconds, top speed around 155 mph.
In head-to-head straight-line performance, these rivals generally posted quicker 0–60 times and higher top speeds than the GS400, underscoring that the Lexus ticket was about balance and refinement more than outright speed.
The GS400 on its own merits
While not the era’s speed king, the GS400 offered several strengths that appealed to buyers seeking luxury with capable performance:
- Smooth, refined 4.0-liter V8 note and linear power delivery.
- Balanced chassis and rear‑wheel‑drive dynamics that favored confident handling in everyday driving.
- High-quality interior and Lexus reliability, with a quiet cabin and solid long-term durability.
- User-friendly technology and comfortable ride quality for daily use, making it a strong all-around sedan rather than a track-focused machine.
In short, the GS400 was a compelling luxury performance sedan, but it did not achieve the top speed or acceleration crown of its primary contemporaries.
Where it fits today
Today’s fast sedans have advanced dramatically, especially with the rise of electrification. Modern production sedans such as the Tesla Model S Plaid and other high‑performance EVs routinely post sub‑2‑second 0–60 mph times and top speeds well beyond 150 mph. In that broader context, the GS400’s performance now reads as strong for its era and as a refinement benchmark rather than a speed leader.
Summary
Conclusion: No—the GS400 was not the fastest sedan of its time. It offered a potent, well‑rounded V8 and Lexus’s hallmark reliability and comfort, but its performance figures lagged behind the era’s speed leaders from BMW, Mercedes‑Benz, and Jaguar. In today’s landscape, it remains noted for its balance and luxury‑oriented performance rather than outright speed.
If you’re mapping the history of “fastest sedan,” the GS400 sits in the middle of a crowded field: an excellent all‑around car for daily driving and confident highway cruising, but not a class‑leading speed demon of its generation.
Is the Lexus GS 450H a fast car?
With a 3.5-liter 338-horsepower V6 engine, the GS450h has ample power and quick, hesitation-free acceleration.
What was the fastest sedan in 1997?
The 5.7 second 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) time of the GS 400 prompted Lexus marketing to claim that the GS was the world's fastest production sedan at its introduction in 1997. Lexus promoted the arrival of the second generation GS sedan with the tagline, "Something Wicked This Way Comes".
What is the fastest sedan ever made?
The fastest sedan depends on whether you're measuring by acceleration or top speed. The Lucid Air Sapphire is the fastest-accelerating with a 0-60 mph time of under 2 seconds, while the Brabus E V12 holds the record for the highest top speed at over 260260260 mph, although its production ended around 2009.
This video discusses some of the fastest sedans in the world: 44sFuturisticTechYouTube · May 30, 2025
Fastest by acceleration
- Lucid Air Sapphire: Accelerates from 0-60 mph in just 1.91.91.9 seconds, thanks to its tri-motor setup.
- Tesla Model S Plaid: A strong contender with a 0-60 mph time of about 1.991.991.99 seconds.
- Porsche Taycan Turbo GT: Achieves a 0-60 mph time of just under 222 seconds, with 1,019 hp.
This video compares the Lucid Air Sapphire to other fast sedans: 58sCar Care CluesYouTube · Feb 26, 2025
Fastest by top speed
- Brabus E V12: This older model still holds the top speed record for a production sedan, reaching over 260260260 mph.
- Xiaomi SU7 Ultra Nürburgring Edition: An emerging contender with a claimed top speed of 217217217 mph.
- Porsche Taycan Turbo GT: Can reach a top speed of 200200200 mph.
This video shows the top 10 fastest sedans by top speed: 45sAll Time CarsYouTube · Jan 13, 2025
How fast is a Lexus GS400?
The GS400 had 300 horsepower and 310 ft-lbs of torque, and sprinted from 0-60 mph (or 0-96 km/h) in 5.7 seconds. Real world tests have actually bested Lexus' estimate, clocking its fastest real-word acceleration figure in 5.4 seconds.
